Argentina embracing underdog tag

Argentina's Jose Basanta listens to a question during a news conference at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 12, 2014, ahead of their 2014 World Cup Final soccer match against Germany on Sunday. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Thought to be out for the tournament originally, the Real Madrid attacker has been working his way back during training.

"It's essential to see how he has evolved today," Sabella said of di Maria. "After training, I'll have a better idea. I can't respond to that now."

Even with di Maria, one of the most dangerous players in the tournament, it might not matter. The well-rested, battle-tested Germans have looked invincible.

As a result, Sabella set out Saturday night to make one thing clear: The South Americans are massive underdogs heading into this fixture, an identical final to the one that produced Argentina's last World Cup win in 1986.

"Let's hope the result will be the same," Sabella said. "We have to play a great match. We must have great concentration. We can't take chances in certain areas. Germany, physically and tactically, is a team that has always been powerful.

"They have a system of play that is well-developed."

Argentina's bench boss stressed his side will be wary of Germany's wing play during Saturday's media availability at the iconic Maracana Stadium.

Germany's Thomas Mueller, who's in pursuit of both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at this tournament, made Brazilian fullback Marcelo look amateurish last week while Mesut Ozil is always a threat to play provider in a Germany kit.

But Sabella also acknowledged his side is much different from the one that lost 4-0 to Germany in 2010, saying this year's Argentina, despite having a similar roster, plays with much more balance.

"We are making a huge effort," Sabella said of playing well on both sides of the ball. "We cover more of the spaces. We occupy the spaces better out wide. We used to play with three midfielders, now we play with four. That has given us a greater balance."

This commitment to defence has unsettled some Argentine viewers, who are accustomed to the two-time world champions being more liberal when deciding to send bodies forward.

But in doing that the last time around, a Maradona-led Argentina team was completely run off the pitch by a much more patient and efficient German side that continues to understand when to pick its moments.

"Let us hope the same thing doesn't happen and, if it does, it will be in our favour," Sabella said. "We'll give our all. We'll give our best through humility, sacrifice and being simple.

"We will give our all so that Argentina will be a champion once again. We are also pleased because we see the happiness in our people and being able to bring joy."

To do it, they'll need to continue being pragmatic, rather than romantic.

A new defence-first mentality will open the door for Lionel Messi to produce his moment of magic.

As we've already seen at the 2014 World Cup, the world's best player only needs one chance.

"We're much more conservative than the team we had four years ago," Sabella stressed. "We're looking for a victory through a different path."

That path is grimy -- similar to Argentina's mucked up semifinal win over the Netherlands four days ago.